3dmark.exe

What is 3dmark.exe?

3dmark.exe is the primary executable for UL's 3DMark benchmarking suite. It coordinates a sequence of GPU and CPU workloads across graphics, physics, and combined tests to gauge system performance. When launched, it loads test scenes, allocates resources, and generates a results report while spawning multiple threads for each test phase.

3dmark.exe coordinates test orchestration, scene loading, and result collection. It negotiates DirectX/Vulkan paths, schedules GPU workloads, and writes performance data to a local report (and optional cloud upload) while isolating tests in separate sub-processes.

Types of 3DMark Processes

• Launcher Process: UI and test setup launcher that starts the benchmarking run
• Graphics Test Process: Graphics workloads and shader-heavy tests
• Physics Test Process: Physics/collision simulations for CPU workload
• Combined Test Process: Overall workload combining graphics and physics tests
• Telemetry/Reporting Process: Results collection and local reporting
• Asset Loader/Helper Process: Loads test assets from disk into memory for tests

Is 3dmark.exe Safe?

Yes, 3dmark.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from UL downloaded from official sources (ul.com/3dmark or bundled by your hardware vendor).

Is 3dmark.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real 3dmark.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names; always verify the file path and signature.

How to Tell if 3dmark.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\UL\3DMark\3dmark.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\UL\3DMark\3dmark.exe. Any 3dmark.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show signer "UL LLC" and valid timestamp.
3. Resource Usage: Normal benchmarking uses substantial GPU/CPU during tests; idle usage should be low. Constant high usage when not benchmarking is suspicious.
4. Behavior: 3DMark should only run when you start a benchmark. Background activity when not running a test suggests malware.

Why Is 3dmark.exe Running on My PC?

3dmark.exe runs when you start a UL 3DMark benchmark, or when the application is configured to run background tests, telemetry, or readiness checks as part of the benchmarking workflow.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Benchmark Run: You initiated a 3DMark test; each test phase (Graphics, Physics, Combined) executes workloads and records results.
• Background Telemetry: Temporary telemetry and progress reporting may run while the benchmark is in progress or when a test is prepared.
• Asset Preloading: 3DMark preloads test assets and shader pipelines to reduce stutter during tests.
• Licensing/Validation: The launcher may run validation processes to ensure a valid license and test suite integrity.
• Startup/Background Service: A background launcher or helper service may start at Windows boot to prepare for quick benchmarking.

Can I Disable or Remove 3dmark.exe?

Yes, you can disable 3dmark.exe. It's safe to close 3DMark when not in use, and you can uninstall it or prevent startup if you prefer not to benchmark on this PC.

How to Stop 3dmark.exe

• End Benchmark Sessions: In the 3DMark UI, cancel the current run or close the application to stop all tests
• Close Application: Click the X or use Alt+F4 to exit the program
• End All Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate 3dmark.exe, right-click > End Task
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable UL 3DMark entry
• Stop Background Tasks: In 3DMark settings, disable any option like 'Run in background' or telemetry during idle

How to Uninstall 3DMark

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → UL 3DMark → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → UL 3DMark → Uninstall
• ✔ Delete remaining folders under C:\Program Files\UL\3DMark and C:\ProgramData\UL\3DMark (if present)

Common Problems: Benchmark Not Starting or Crashing

If 3dmark.exe has trouble starting or crashes during tests, try the following common fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Outdated GPU drivers: Update GPU drivers from the vendor (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) to the latest stable release and retry the benchmark
• Corrupted installation: Repair or reinstall UL 3DMark from the official installer
• Insufficient system permissions: Run the benchmark as Administrator to allow full access to hardware resources
• Background optimization interference: Close background applications and disable power-saving modes that throttle GPU/CPU
• Incompatible hardware settings: Set Windows power plan to High Performance and disable any aggressive sleep/hibernate settings during testing
• Antivirus quarantine: Ensure 3dmark.exe is whitelisted in your antivirus software or temporarily disable AV during benchmarking (if safe to do so)

Related Processes